AAG develops silo bags with ExxonMobil PE resin

Armando Alvarez Group (AAG), a Spain-based global solutions provider with a focus on sectors including packaging, containers and agriculture, has collaborated with Irving, Texas-based ExxonMobil Corp. to develop silo bags primarily made with polyethylene (PE) resin the companies say improves their recyclability in locations where film is accepted.

AAG sought to develop silo bags with enhanced characteristics such as increased filling capacity, dart impact, tear and puncture resistance, and high resistance to slumping, while also offering recyclability. Managed by its Spain-based affiliate Sotrafa, AAG aimed to create a solution to meet the growing demand for silo bags, a sector in the agricultural films market known for its flexibility, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

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A silo bag is a tube produced mostly out of PE resin, normally 5 to 12 feet in diameter and 200 to 400 feet in length, depending on the amount of material to be stored. They are designed to extend the preservation of agricultural products like silage and grains.

The bags feature a white external layer to reflect sunlight and a black internal layer to block it, maintaining a cool storage environment, and ExxonMobil says AAG’s initiative aligns with its commitment to a circular economy, aiming for resource conservation and reduced raw material use.

In the effort to replace its existing octene-based linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) product, AAG worked with ExxonMobil’s PE business to create a new silo bag film formulation, utilizing Exceed S 9272 performance PE. ExxonMobil says this formulation not only met the mechanical property requirements, but also facilitated the transition to a less complex monomaterial PE structure, enhancing recyclability.

“The integration of specifically developed technologies in the production and deployment process of the silo bags signifies a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices," the company says in a news release.

The collaboration resulted in the launch of two silo bag brands, which ExxonMobil says showcase increased filling capacity, improved resistance to slumping and better recycling prospects.

“The enhanced film formulation including Exceed S has led to a first PE cobranding collaboration between ExxonMobil and AAG with the introduction of two premium silo bag brands,” says Jose Miguel Juarez, product manager of crop packaging films at AAG. “Both bags allow increased filling capacity, high slumping resistance and offer recycling opportunities. These bags help support AAG’s pursuit of circular plastic economy solutions. We are confident that these added value solutions for our global customers will help grow our business.”

ExxonMobil says its PE portfolio offers converters and brand owners an extensive range of performance polymers as well as specialty copolymers and additional PE grades for numerous applications. With properties such as strength, durability and toughness, ease of sealing and optics, the company says its PE formulations help create, protect and promote products throughout the packaging, agriculture, industrial, personal care and hygiene markets.